997.1 GT3 Buying Options
Discussion
Hi,
I am new to this forum but have been looking to branch into GT3 ownership for sometime now. It has to be a 997 and, as my budget will not stretch far past 50k, it will be a 997.1. Having spent some time trawling through previous posts, the decision of how to buy seems to have got a little bit more difficult and I am looking for some advice (apologies if questions have been already answered in different threads, if so, please direct me otherwise).
Firstly, what impact does mileage have on purchase price and maintenance costs? For instance I see a few classifieds reaching 40k miles. Should this concern me? Will my maintenance bill be higher as a result? Will my enjoyment be dampened with things failing during ownership? My initial thoughts would be that value would not be affected too much by miles. The reason I think this is that I would rather own a car that has been used reasonably regularly (i.e. most weekends perhaps) than something that has been left to stand all winter (heard more chance of seals leaking etc. if this is the case) and that is taken out for predominantly track use in the summer. My ideal car would be one that has been enjoyed but looked after and has covered mostly road (not track) miles.
Using some current ads as an example (I know some of these have already sold - but as examples only), would there be anything wrong with high milers such as the following...?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
or...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Moving onwards, what are people's views on purchasing private, dealer, specialist or OPC? OPC would be highly desired due to the 2 year warranty and greatest piece of mind, however this example at 63k looks a bit pricey...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
What value, if any, would you put on purchasing OPC, all other details the same? Then, what specialists would you recommend? I have heard of 991 Virgin, RPM and JZM. They seem to be well represented on Pistonheads. Are there any other good ones about? Would you recommend using the services of someone to help source a good car?
Then, what about normal dealers? I see examples from The Supercar Rooms and GC Motors in the classifieds (priced more reasonably). However, based on previous forum comments, it seems appropriate to steer clear of these dealers. So, to get a decent price, am I perhaps better off going private? It seems OPC and specialists could be pricey and normal dealers could be hiding a hidden past. Btw, does anyone know about this car (it seems to be cheap but not selling)? Another dodgy dealer?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
I am perhaps thinking the best thing would be to go private and employ the services of a specialist to assist in checking the car before a purchase. From the adverts up online at the moment (I know these are already sold - but using as an example) the 2 most appealing cars seem to be private:
1. One owner and OPC serviced. Description "seems" genuine. Bucket seats. Look good for the miles. Cheap:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
2 Detailed history. Clear description. Bucket seats. Again looks good for the miles and cheap:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Any advice would be much appreciated. To put everything in perspective I am not looking for a concourse car, as in perfect bodywork with no scratches. I want to drive and enjoy the car. I don't care about colour (apart from not yellow - sorry yellow GT3 owners) and not much fussed about options, although Sat Nav, PCCBs and buckets would be good if no real price difference. The main thing to me will be the way it drives and strong mechanicals. I would like to own the car to enjoy driving it and therefore pristine bodywork and front splitter will get chipped. However I would want to know that the car is mechanically very sound and the geometry not compromised by a hidden past. Should I buy trade/private? How many miles? What price should I pay? Any further advice?
Thanks in advance...
I am new to this forum but have been looking to branch into GT3 ownership for sometime now. It has to be a 997 and, as my budget will not stretch far past 50k, it will be a 997.1. Having spent some time trawling through previous posts, the decision of how to buy seems to have got a little bit more difficult and I am looking for some advice (apologies if questions have been already answered in different threads, if so, please direct me otherwise).
Firstly, what impact does mileage have on purchase price and maintenance costs? For instance I see a few classifieds reaching 40k miles. Should this concern me? Will my maintenance bill be higher as a result? Will my enjoyment be dampened with things failing during ownership? My initial thoughts would be that value would not be affected too much by miles. The reason I think this is that I would rather own a car that has been used reasonably regularly (i.e. most weekends perhaps) than something that has been left to stand all winter (heard more chance of seals leaking etc. if this is the case) and that is taken out for predominantly track use in the summer. My ideal car would be one that has been enjoyed but looked after and has covered mostly road (not track) miles.
Using some current ads as an example (I know some of these have already sold - but as examples only), would there be anything wrong with high milers such as the following...?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
or...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Moving onwards, what are people's views on purchasing private, dealer, specialist or OPC? OPC would be highly desired due to the 2 year warranty and greatest piece of mind, however this example at 63k looks a bit pricey...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
What value, if any, would you put on purchasing OPC, all other details the same? Then, what specialists would you recommend? I have heard of 991 Virgin, RPM and JZM. They seem to be well represented on Pistonheads. Are there any other good ones about? Would you recommend using the services of someone to help source a good car?
Then, what about normal dealers? I see examples from The Supercar Rooms and GC Motors in the classifieds (priced more reasonably). However, based on previous forum comments, it seems appropriate to steer clear of these dealers. So, to get a decent price, am I perhaps better off going private? It seems OPC and specialists could be pricey and normal dealers could be hiding a hidden past. Btw, does anyone know about this car (it seems to be cheap but not selling)? Another dodgy dealer?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
I am perhaps thinking the best thing would be to go private and employ the services of a specialist to assist in checking the car before a purchase. From the adverts up online at the moment (I know these are already sold - but using as an example) the 2 most appealing cars seem to be private:
1. One owner and OPC serviced. Description "seems" genuine. Bucket seats. Look good for the miles. Cheap:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
2 Detailed history. Clear description. Bucket seats. Again looks good for the miles and cheap:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
Any advice would be much appreciated. To put everything in perspective I am not looking for a concourse car, as in perfect bodywork with no scratches. I want to drive and enjoy the car. I don't care about colour (apart from not yellow - sorry yellow GT3 owners) and not much fussed about options, although Sat Nav, PCCBs and buckets would be good if no real price difference. The main thing to me will be the way it drives and strong mechanicals. I would like to own the car to enjoy driving it and therefore pristine bodywork and front splitter will get chipped. However I would want to know that the car is mechanically very sound and the geometry not compromised by a hidden past. Should I buy trade/private? How many miles? What price should I pay? Any further advice?
Thanks in advance...
The car in Surrey is a 'known' car, and not known for the right reasons. It has had panel repairs I belive and was certainly rejected by another well known specialist.
If you have 50k to spend I would say wait unless you are happy to buy privately. Prices are very firm and may even has risen over the last year. Realistic entry price from a dealer seems to be about 53k at the moment, usually a bit more.
Mine was collected on Thursday after a fantastic year of ownership.
Re spec its up to you, mine was quite basic whcih is how I wanted it to be honest, but the right seats feel important and whilst mine didn't have Sat Nav and litronic lights I would have liked them, particularly the lights
Good luck
If you have 50k to spend I would say wait unless you are happy to buy privately. Prices are very firm and may even has risen over the last year. Realistic entry price from a dealer seems to be about 53k at the moment, usually a bit more.
Mine was collected on Thursday after a fantastic year of ownership.
Re spec its up to you, mine was quite basic whcih is how I wanted it to be honest, but the right seats feel important and whilst mine didn't have Sat Nav and litronic lights I would have liked them, particularly the lights
Good luck
Two biggest drivers of price seem to be miles and "comfort" versus "club" spec
Take one high miler (45k) add in comfort spec and you have a sub £40k 997 GT3
(From what by and large is a well respected outfit)
www.tomhartley.com/usedcar/PORSCHE/911_GT3+(997)/M...
I imagine had the car had 20k less miles and bucket spec....it would have been a whopping 35 to 40% more
Take one high miler (45k) add in comfort spec and you have a sub £40k 997 GT3
(From what by and large is a well respected outfit)
www.tomhartley.com/usedcar/PORSCHE/911_GT3+(997)/M...
I imagine had the car had 20k less miles and bucket spec....it would have been a whopping 35 to 40% more
Bucket seats definitely add to the experience and carry a premium if thats your thing. I insist on them but others prefer the comfort and convenience of normal seats for daily driving
Mileage shouldn't be an issue provided the service history is correct. These cars are no where near as mileage sensitive as say a Ferrari
There is no hard and fast rule, its basically down to condition and history. Viewing is essential as ads don't always tell the full story
Cash is king so don't be afraid to negotiate especially this time of year. No that it happens so much with GT3's but if the dealer has had it a while and is coming up to his financial year end I'm sure he will want another dealer at smaller profit margin whilst reducing his stock holding
I've just bought a spyder out of season for that very reason and expect it to be worth at least what I have paid for it in 9 months time
Mileage shouldn't be an issue provided the service history is correct. These cars are no where near as mileage sensitive as say a Ferrari
There is no hard and fast rule, its basically down to condition and history. Viewing is essential as ads don't always tell the full story
Cash is king so don't be afraid to negotiate especially this time of year. No that it happens so much with GT3's but if the dealer has had it a while and is coming up to his financial year end I'm sure he will want another dealer at smaller profit margin whilst reducing his stock holding
I've just bought a spyder out of season for that very reason and expect it to be worth at least what I have paid for it in 9 months time
Thanks very much fro your assistance so far. It certainly comes as no surprise that the Surrey car is "known" given the fact it is not selling. The tom Hartley car certainly seems a good deal (first impressions only) the with full history and ceramics. Yes I know the mileage is high at 45k, but based on your discussion above it sound like if the condition of the mechanicals is ok it is not a major factor. This leaves me wondering what the catch is if it is asking 40k only? And then this puts me off slightly thinking it could be too good to be true. Anyone know anything about this car?
Re the point just above, would be willing to hang on for a good car and/or december/January time to pick up a good price.
Thanks
Re the point just above, would be willing to hang on for a good car and/or december/January time to pick up a good price.
Thanks
I actually bought the black GT3 which is one of the two you have selected, which also happens to be my first Porsche. I think it is also worth knowing although I love my cars I am some way off being a mechanical expert. Saying that I have owned two TVRs with no issues at all.
I had been looking for a couple of months with a budget of £50 to £55k. I spoke to most of the independent dealers, missed a white comfort at RPM by a few hours. But still popped up to see it never the less. If I am honest I wanted a silver or blue one.
I also contacted a few OPC dealers but there hasn't been too many around my price range. I wanted a comfort spec.
I went to look at the one at Wentworth cars too, but my gut feeling put me off, can't explain.
I would have preferred a lower mileage car but as is often discussed on the forums, I liked the idea that the car had full Porsche History and had only the one owner from new.
I knew I had to move quickly and luck had it, I checked PH classifieds 5 minutes after Robert had loaded it on.
Quite a few I enquired about had had 5-6 owners which is apparently fairly normal. On inspection the car felt right and the owners love of cars gave me the confidence to buy. The car had been cherished from new and he seemed genuinely gutted when I drove the car away. Mind you I had that feeling when my T350 left my drive.
I feel that I got a good, clean car and the price was reflected by the 41k miles. You might say I took a chance but only time will tell.
Good luck in your search, be patient, it will be worth the wait.
I had been looking for a couple of months with a budget of £50 to £55k. I spoke to most of the independent dealers, missed a white comfort at RPM by a few hours. But still popped up to see it never the less. If I am honest I wanted a silver or blue one.
I also contacted a few OPC dealers but there hasn't been too many around my price range. I wanted a comfort spec.
I went to look at the one at Wentworth cars too, but my gut feeling put me off, can't explain.
I would have preferred a lower mileage car but as is often discussed on the forums, I liked the idea that the car had full Porsche History and had only the one owner from new.
I knew I had to move quickly and luck had it, I checked PH classifieds 5 minutes after Robert had loaded it on.
Quite a few I enquired about had had 5-6 owners which is apparently fairly normal. On inspection the car felt right and the owners love of cars gave me the confidence to buy. The car had been cherished from new and he seemed genuinely gutted when I drove the car away. Mind you I had that feeling when my T350 left my drive.
I feel that I got a good, clean car and the price was reflected by the 41k miles. You might say I took a chance but only time will tell.
Good luck in your search, be patient, it will be worth the wait.
Henners84 said:
Haha, well I missed that important aspect about it! A good deal for someone. If you have the largest link to the thread please attach. Would be useful to read discussions on a high miler. Thanks
Here you go....http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
qureshia said:
Two biggest drivers of price seem to be miles and "comfort" versus "club" spec
Take one high miler (45k) add in comfort spec and you have a sub £40k 997 GT3
(From what by and large is a well respected outfit)
www.tomhartley.com/usedcar/PORSCHE/911_GT3+(997)/M...
I imagine had the car had 20k less miles and bucket spec....it would have been a whopping 35 to 40% more
One mans trash is another mans treasure Take one high miler (45k) add in comfort spec and you have a sub £40k 997 GT3
(From what by and large is a well respected outfit)
www.tomhartley.com/usedcar/PORSCHE/911_GT3+(997)/M...
I imagine had the car had 20k less miles and bucket spec....it would have been a whopping 35 to 40% more
I rejected some cars out of hand because they had the cage and bucket seats (cage is annoying as I like to use the space for storage and the buckets don't recline and I have a bad back)
I was purposely looking for a comfort spec and if I needed to, I would have paid slightly more than the equivalent car with the same condition and mileage if it was a comfort spec rather than a club sport spec so it works both ways.
Thanks for attaching, it seems like someone did pick themselves up a bargain from the sounds of it. It would be really interesting to hear from the purchaser if they frequent these forums (long shot I know).
Thanks griffgray for your comments also. It does look like you have picked yourself up a great car. Please do let me know how it is to keep after you add to the mileage on it - it would be really interesting to understand your experiences.
After hearing the responses here, the options, extras, mileage, colour etc do take a back seat in my opinion to a mechanically sound car that has been kept well. I am coming to the conclusion that 40-50k miles is really not a long for a second hand car generally (especially something as reliable as a Porsche), therefore why should it really impact on the decision to buy a GT3. I guess the underlying fear is that it has been tracked heavily or damaged. Anyone in the London area able to recommend a good specialist to provide a pre-purchase inspection? Also, are there good non-OPC warrant providers anyone would recommend and what do they normally expect/need to grant these?
Thanks griffgray for your comments also. It does look like you have picked yourself up a great car. Please do let me know how it is to keep after you add to the mileage on it - it would be really interesting to understand your experiences.
After hearing the responses here, the options, extras, mileage, colour etc do take a back seat in my opinion to a mechanically sound car that has been kept well. I am coming to the conclusion that 40-50k miles is really not a long for a second hand car generally (especially something as reliable as a Porsche), therefore why should it really impact on the decision to buy a GT3. I guess the underlying fear is that it has been tracked heavily or damaged. Anyone in the London area able to recommend a good specialist to provide a pre-purchase inspection? Also, are there good non-OPC warrant providers anyone would recommend and what do they normally expect/need to grant these?
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